Hotelier returns to his Newcastle roots to manage Jesmond Dene House
Scott Davidson has returned to his home city of Newcastle to take over as general manager of the four-AA-red-star, 40-bedroom Jesmond Dene House.
He replaces Eric Kortenbach who has run the hotel since opened in 2005. Kortenbach has recently moved to the Northumberland-based Doxford hall group of hotels.
"Eric has done a great job," said Davidson. "I'm definitely not changing anything; the quality is here already. The hotel is one I've admired since it opened - for its high quality of food and service."
After starting his career as a 17-year-old waiter, Scott won a scholarship to train at the Savoy Group in London before returning to the north east to climb the career ladder at Newcastle's County Thistle and Vermont hotels, Linden Hall in Northumberland, and Darlington's Wynyard Hall where he was appointed general manager prior to its opening in 2007. After five years, and a brief spell at Darlington's Bannatyne Hotel, Davidson decided to move back to Newcastle.
Peter Candler, managing director, said: "Eric helped establish our hotel's reputation for real quality and attention to detail, and we are indebted to his skill and dedication. It's a great base for Scott to build on. What we like about Scott is his down-to-earth warmth, openness and his clear passion for hospitality in the true sense of the word."
Located within a 19th century, Grade II listed property, Jesmond Dene House won AA Hotel of the Year for England 2008-09 and was named North East Tourism Small Hotel of the Year 2008.
Terry Laybourne to sell stake in Jesmond Dene House >>
Former Jesmond Dene GM appointed as ops director of four country house hotels >>
By Janet Harmer
E-mail your comments to Janet Harmer here.
Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
Looking for a new job? Find your next job here with Catererandhotelkeeper.com jobs
